Convicted man to receive sentence Friday for jailhouse beating

The last man convicted of a vicious December 2009 gang-related jailhouse beating will find out Friday how long he’ll stay behind bars.

Clarence Scott is one of eight men convicted of aggravated assault in an attack that left their victim permanently disabled, both physically and mentally.

The attack happened outside the gym Milner Ridge Correctional Centre after a guard inadvertently hit a button that unlocked the room and allowed the accused to go charging after the victim. The open door allowed the eight to swarm the victim as he walked by the outside of the gym. He was repeatedly kicked in the head before guards intervened.

Five of the accused have already been sentenced to 10-year terms, one got eight years and the other 12 years.

During a hearing today, Scott’s lawyer Scott Newman sold Justice Rick Saull that reports indicate his client is developmentally delayed and only found a sense of "family" when he joined a gang.

Newman also said his client played a bit part in the beating and should only receive a six-year sentence.

Prosecutor Keith Eyrikson said Scott played a more active role than that and jumped in on then attack as quickly as he could and should get an equal sentence to the others. The attack was recorded by a surveillance camera.

"His body language speaks volumes," Eyrickson told Saull. "He raced to get to the front. Ultimately, he made a choice that led him here today."

Saul, describing Scott as not much different than the other accused, described the beating as "gratuitous, recreational violence."

He said he will hand down his sentence Friday morning.

During the last year’s trial, Saull ordered the jury to tour the Lac du Bonnet-area, medium-security jail to see first-hand where the victim was attacked.

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